Party for the Planet at Roger Williams Park Zoo

It’s time to party — Party for the Planet that is — at Roger Williams Park Zoo April 16–20 during school vacation week. This year’s event will celebrate the importance of conservation and our environment represented at the core of the zoo’s mission. The bash will introduce guests to some of the new rainforest animals joining the zoo family this summer, provide the opportunity to enjoy animal encounters with interesting creatures, learn a few circus acrobatics, and participate in an array of artistic activities.

Tuesday, April 17, Wednesday, April 18, and Thursday, April 19, guests will meet the New England Revs, the PawSox, work with Lisa May Tobin to sculpt a favorite zoo animal, listen to Mary King's beautiful music in Hasbro's Big Backyard, and see Circus Dynamics' amazing act on Thursday. Kidoinfo will be making animal bookmarks with children on Wednesday and Westerly-based Ivory Ella will host activities to support the African elephant on Thursday.

The zoo’s mascot Roger the Red Panda will be available for photos, as well as PawSox mascots Paws and Sox, New England Rev’s Slyde, and Rhode Island’s famous trio NIROPE from Cardi’s Furniture & Mattress. The week ends on Friday, April 20, with animal encounters, keeper talks and (weather permitting) the first Food Truck Friday of the season at Carousel Village beginning at 5 p.m.

Party for the Planet activities run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, and are free with zoo admission. For more information, visit rwpzoo.org.

Author: Diane Nahabedian

Diane Nahabedian, director of marketing and public relations at the Rhode Island Zoological Society/Roger Williams Park Zoo, has more than 30 years of experience in the nonprofit arena. Prior to joining the Roger Williams Park Zoo, she provided marketing and communications expertise to nonprofit organizations, including conception of marketing plans, media and public relations, as well as image and branding revitalization.